RalliSport Challenge - PC Games

There are several modes of play, with the predominant role belonging to Career mode. This consists of a series of mini tournaments where you acquire points for position, time, top speed and damage. Reaching points thresholds unlocks more tournaments and more cars. These tournaments usually consist of several timed stages, or in the case of rally cross, a series of races against three computer-controlled opponents.

They span different terrains and climates, so one minute you'll be trying to minimise skids around the ice-rink circuits, the next you'll be power sliding round gravel hairpins on a hill climb. Each of the tracks can be practiced on in a single-race mode and there is also multiplayer support. The car setup available is limited. You can adjust brake balance, gear ratios, tyres, steering and suspension, but only in the most basic sense--such as front, medium, back; or long, medium, short. The cars also handle very forgivingly and damage isn't accrued from one stage to the next, so there's no managing of repairs.

Rallisport Challenge looks gorgeous, is heaps of fun to play and has good longevity. If you are looking for a rally car simulation then this will leave you disappointed, but if you are after some high octane racing and fancy thrashing around in an Audi or Subaru, then pick up a copy now. --Jason Weston